§ Mr. LetwinTo ask the Secretary of State for Health by what percentage NHS charges for(a) sight tests, (b) glasses, (c) travel to hospital, (d) dental treatment and (e) prescription have risen since December 1998. [76757]
§ Mr. DenhamPrescription charges and charges for dental treatment have not risen since December 1998. There are no charges for National Health Service sight tests (which will be available to everyone aged 60 or over from 1 April) or for travel to hospital. Children and people on low incomes are eligible for NHS spectacle vouchers which they may use to buy glasses of their choice.
For changes from 1 April, I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Walthamstow (Mr. Gerrard) on 25 February 1999, Official Report, columns 429–30.